I do not have a dad, but I don’t want to leave that side blank like a classmate does, so I put my mom’s best friend, who is also a babysitter and everyone’s “second momma.” She always tells me I’m her favorite kid. My teacher thinks it’s cute.

Fast forward to when I am 18. Mom and “Second Momma” have something important to tell me. They bring out that family tree I drew; I am shocked they’ve kept it. As it turns out, my “Second Momma” really is my second momma; that is, they are a couple, but not legally married. Her being a babysitter gave the perfect excuse when everyone called her Momma.